The Cobalt Prince

March 15, 2018
Sisters reunite to lead the charge against a disembodied, mind-controlling evil in this second episode of the 5 Worlds series following The Sand Warrior (2017).Following a string of chases, captures, escapes, and visits to several worldlets, young Oona Lee and her older sib, Jessa--the latter reeling under the realization that she had been tricked by the insidious Mimic into leading the opener's treacherous attack--catch up to one another on Moon Toki to reaffirm their bond and to employ their Sand Dance magic to prevent the Mimic from freeing its long-captive heart. Already notable for exotic locales and an extravagantly diverse cast, this series adds more of both in its latest outing (included among the new characters are some plant people and a frisky but helpful blob of sacred oil named Ram Sam Sam). Some panels are still too small to hold the dialogue and larger-scale action comfortably, but the pacing is quick and fluid, and the dancing carries a suitably otherworldly air. Climactic victory comes at the cost of a wrenching sacrifice, but it clears the way for the main quest to save the ecologically stressed moons from ruin. (The final panel hints that a side jaunt may be up next, however.)The adventure continues, growing grander of scale and if possible even more lavish in visual detail. (Graphic science fiction. 10-13)

COPYRIGHT(2018) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

June 1, 2018

Gr 3-6-In this tale set on the five worlds of another solar system, Oona is determined to light the second of five beacons in order to save the planets from annihilation, but in order to do so she must face her sister, Jessa, who abandoned her to follow the Cobalt Prince. Her friend An Tzu is still fighting a disease that is slowly causing him to disappear. Everyone Oona meets tells her something different, and she must discover the truth among all the lies as she attempts to save her planet before it is lost forever. Those who have read the previous installment will enjoy this second volume far more than those who haven't. However, newcomers will still understand the story line. The artwork is full of action, and readers will need to pay close attention to small background details that will later become important. Each location is depicted with a unique palette that also matches the mood of the narrative at that moment. Richly rendered settings await lovers of sci-fi world-building, and there is plenty of adventure as truths are uncovered. VERDICT Purchase where the series is popular, and give to fans of Judd Winick's "Hi-Lo" or Kazu Kibuishi's "Amulet" series.-Jenni Frencham, formerly at Columbus Public Library, WI

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2018
Grades 4-7 Oona, An Tzu, and Jax Amboy escaped Mon Domani during the Toki ambush at the end of The Sand Warrior (2017), but en route off-world, they're attacked and eventually fall in with a band of Toki rebels. Tensions run high when Oona and An Tzu end up on Toki, a planet ravaged by the fallout from a mining incident and the encroaching influence of the Mimic, who's determined to regain its malevolent power by exploiting not only the leader of Toki but Oona's long-lost sister. As Oona decides what to do, she gradually learns the truth about the beacons, the five planets, even her own identity. With cinematic action and stunning artwork, this follow-up zips, sometimes a bit too quickly, through clever plot twists and weighty reveals and leaves plenty more threads for the forthcoming trilogy ender. Bouma, Matt Rockefeller, and Boya Sun's fantastic artwork uses graceful, organic shapes and lush, carefully considered colors to cultivate emotional depth and nuance. With an artful approach, this thrilling adventure subtly examines prejudice and power in an entertaining, propulsive package.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)